2006 Season:McCall: started 12 games, 8 receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown; Walker: appeared in all 13 games, 3 receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown; Hoke: saw action in every game, did not record a reception.

Good to see: The Tide entered the spring with plenty of competition at the tight end position but very little idea of how the position would be used in Major Applewhite's offense and thus, whose talents best fit the new system.

With the most experience of the returning healthy players, Walker received most of the reps this spring with the first team offense and showed improvement in his blocking skills thanks to improved strength and conditioning. Walker's 17-yard reception in the A-Day game showed that he continues to be a viable target in the receiving game, particularly in the middle of the field.